How to Live More Sustainably FOR FREE
Written by Ellen Hogan
SWEET SUMMERTIME! We chose to make this month’s theme “Go Green” because most of us are spending more time outside at this time of year. So, it’s a great time to remind ourselves to care for this earth and keep it beautiful.
Below is a list of completely free things you can do to help the environment. Let’s go in ascending order from easiest to hardest. Don’t let this list overwhelm you, just pick your favorites and leave the rest. And if you have any other ideas, send us an email or DM us on Instagram. We’d love to hear your favorite free sustainable swaps!
Stop buying things you don’t need (stop and think before you buy)
Choose paper instead of plastic bags when shopping
Take shorter showers (BONUS: money saver)
Turn your AC up a few degrees (or your hurt down in the winter)
Bring your own bags (I always keep some in my car in case I need to pick something up)
Unplug appliances you aren’t using (BONUS: money saver)
Reuse old jars/Tupperware instead of buying new ones
Accelerate more gently when driving (this saves gas; BONUS: money saver)
Turn off the lights when you leave a room
Wear your clothes until they fall apart or give them to someone who will
Get creative and use up what you have before buying more groceries
Don’t flush the toilet every time you pee
Recycle (find a nearby drop-off if your neighborhood doesn’t have pick up; make sure you know what’s ACTUALLY recyclable where you live, wishful recycling is not helpful)
Use kitchen rags instead of paper towels
Pick up trash you find on the street or beach
Try mending your items (like pilled fabric, hole-y clothing, or broken dishes)
Cut up torn clothing or stained towels to use for cleaning rags
Regrow green onions, celery, and heads of lettuce by placing the bottoms into water and setting them near a window, you’ll have new ones before you know it
Freeze produce or put it in a jar with some salt water and vinegar to pickle it (BONUS: fermented foods are great for your digestion)
Compost your food waste (this one requires a bit of practice but it decreases methane gas and helps waste to decompose; BONUS: world’s best fertilizer)
Also, please remember the order of the three R’s. First, REDUCE, and if you can’t do that, REUSE. If you can’t do that, RECYCLE.
